New bathroom access bill hailed as victory for ‘human decency’

People with certain medical conditions who need to use toilets immediately will soon be allowed to use employee-only facilities in Massachusetts if no public one is available.

Governor Deval Patrick’s signature on Wednesday made Massachusetts the 13th state to pass a so-called restroom ­access bill. According to the bill’s supporters, inflammatory bowel diseases such as Crohn’s disease or ulcerative colitis make bathroom access a more immediate concern. Only ­those with a doctor’s note would be allowed access to employee-only facilities under the new law.